Electronic Structure of Ligand-Passivated Gold and Silver Nanoclusters

Gold and silver nanoclusters have unique molecule-like electronic structure and a nonzero HOMO-LUMO gap. Recent advances in X-ray crystal structure determination have led to a new understanding of the geometric structure of gold nanoparticles, with significant implications for electronic structure. The superatom model has been effectively employed to explain properties such as one- and two-photon optical absorption, circular dichroism, EPR spectra, and electronic effects introduced by nanoparticle doping. Future investigations may also lead to an understanding of nanoparticle luminescence, excited-state dynamics, and the metallic to molecular transition.